Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, has reached a significant milestone in its tourism sector, welcoming 32.7 million international visitors by December 8, 2024. This influx of tourists has contributed an estimated 1.5 trillion baht (approximately US$43.9 billion) to the country’s economy.
The largest group of tourists came from China, accounting for 6.3 million arrivals, followed by Malaysia with 4.6 million, India with 1.9 million, South Korea at 1.7 million, and Russia with 1.5 million.
To meet its annual goal of 36 million visitors, the Thai government is focusing on attracting more long-haul tourists, particularly from Europe, in the final weeks of the year. Jirayu Houngsub, a spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, indicated that efforts are underway to further boost these numbers, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
A key factor in this tourism boom was Thailand’s decision to extend visa exemptions for Chinese tourists, a move that became permanent in March. Additionally, since June, the country has expanded visa-free access to travelers from 93 nations, allowing for stays of up to 60 days, up from 57 countries previously eligible.
Tourism continues to play a crucial role in Thailand’s economic stability. In 2019, the country saw 39.9 million foreign arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht (US$51.9 billion) in revenue. In contrast, other Southeast Asian nations have seen varying levels of tourist inflow this year. Vietnam attracted 15.8 million visitors, the Philippines hosted 4.9 million, Malaysia saw 20.6 million, and Singapore recorded 13.9 million visitors as of October.
With these efforts and trends, Thailand aims to solidify its position as a top destination for international travelers in the region.
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